fleetwood campers

[LJ]

Iam looking at a fleetwood truck camper and was wondering if any of you people has had one and did you like or dislike it. this one is a 8ft angler. i would appreciate any info you give me thank you.

 

[KEnhoffer]

I can't comment on a Fleetwood camper, the only advice I can give you is to be suspect of the quality of the unit you are considering. I purchased a 1999 Fleetwood Terry travel trailer and have be plagued with quality problems and lack of dealer and factory support. I will never buy another Fleetwood product. Some people have commented favorably about Fleetwood others flame them - this is my personal experience.

 

[Steve M]

I keep hearing negetive coments about Fleetwood campers. What are the issues with them? Are they structural problems or cosmetic or problems with the appliances? Our Jayco is an entry level trailer with a structurally sound chassis and outer skin. The cabinets and cosmetics require just a little extra thought as they are not as solid as they are in a Jayco Designer or high end brand name trailer. We take this into consideration when using our trailer and it serves it's purpose well. We have had no problems with it with the exception of having to beef up the rod in the closet to hold our heavy leather jackets for our I-10 Florida panhandle beatings. Just curious as we seem to see a lot of Fleetwood trailers on the interstates.

 

[Dkevdog]

Steve- Unlike some people who jump on the gossip wagon about how "I knew someone who had... ... ... " I can speak from experience. We just sold our Fleetwood 2001 Wilderness. It was 7 months old. If someone wants to PM or Email me, I will discuss in detail the reasons we dumped it. I will however, say that yes- some of the problems I have been hearing about (from owners) involve structual problems. I had some of those issues. The fit and finish and overall construction of cabinetry (especiall) is very poor. Their customer service for warranty is horrible. This is my personal observation and experience. However, if you don't believe me, look for yourself. Check with consumer reviews on their products. Simple facts speak loud. Six years ago Fleetwood nearly controlled the industry. They sold nearly 40% of what was on the road. They had more than $600 million in the bank. Now, their stock has fallen to that of $8 or so per share, marketshare has fallen considerably , and customer satisfaction is very poor. Simply stated, you can't keep screwing the consumer and get away with it. I learned my lesson the hard way. There are a lot of really nice rigs out there for the same or slightly more money.



Kev

 

[BigMike]

I have owned 2 fleetwood products, a TT and a 5er. I had only minor problems with them, my dealer took very good care of me and in my opinion, the quality of the interior construction was as good as my house. Structural issues I can't comment on because I couldn't see them and never experienced a problem. I upgraded to a Cardinal primarily for floorplan reasons and other features. Far as I'm concerned, you get what you pay for, and Fleetwood does as well as anybody.

 

[RBrunson]

92 Fleetwood

I bought my Terry 29L TT used so didn't have any dealer problems. I had one tire problem, wife said she thought I was too close to he curb as we crossed the bridge, she was right, wasen't the trailers fault. I have had it 5 years now it is still in very good shape.



It has the fiberglass caps on each end with LPG, batteries and tire all neatly hidden under the hinge up lower front cap. Power lift on the landing gear, and nicest thing about it is, it's paid for. I have pulled the TT for a lot of years, but my next one will be a 5er.



I went to one of thoes big new trailer roundups and looked at the new Terrys, and was dissapointed. I honestly would not have traded straight accross my trailer for their comparable modle. I think at one time they made a really good trailer, but when I buy again, it won't be a Fleetwood.

 

[Dkevdog]

Re: 92 Fleetwood

Originally posted by RBrunson

I think at one time they made a really good trailer, but when I buy again, it won't be a Fleetwood.

That is exactly the point I was trying to make. Your experience only reinforces what I've stated.



Kev

 

[azpete]

I bought a top of the line Caribou 9E in '98 and it was in the dealers shop for 6 out of the first 12 months I owned it. Large bubbles started bulges in the fiberglass shell - had to have the outer shell replaced. The cloth ceiling started to come loose - had to be replaced. They were so sloppy with the new glue its splashed all over the wallpaper and can't get it off. All faucets had water leaks, still can't get tight enough. Generator electric problems, etc. etc. . My feelings about Fleetwood after many letters and phone calls to corp. offices and factory cannot be printed here. Of course by the time I was able to use it long enough for more problems to show up -- WARRENTY EXPIRED--

 

[rrl989]

Anything built can have some sort of problem out of the factory. The way we are treated after makling the purchase and how problems are resolved should effect your buying decision. Befor the internet, who knew what ? Its great to get the word out using the internet. I wonder if it has any effect on these companys board room meetings ?



Ron

 

[Dkevdog]

Ron- Believe me, yes it has. Just as DC keeps an eye here, manufacturer's are checking other sites (IRV2, RV. NET, etc) and things said there have had an effect. The RV'ers are a strong close group. They talk alot and they have strong opinions. Therefor, they listen to each other. I know this becuase after complaining about options on the Sunnybrook we ordered at another big RV site, they suddenly were willing to work with me. So keep spreading the word, good or bad. People are listening.



Kev

 

[Crazy Horse]

I have heard from reliable sources that Fleetwood won't be making caribou, elkhorn, or anglers anymore.

 

[Dkevdog]

I've also heard that Thor is looking in to purchasing the Coleman division of Fleetwood. Fleetwood has dropped several of their TT lines in order to make room for a new "luxury" level TT and Fiver. Called the Pride & Triumph- I actually got a sneek peek at a dealers only show last week... . for being a fleetwood, they were pretty nice looking.



Kev

 

[LJ]

thank you for all your posts we did decide to get the fleetwood angler we checked on the lance but it was twice the money granted its probably twice the camper but my wallet is what made the final decision. someone said he had a problem with the fiberglace siding bubbling i checked one that was on the lot and found a crack in the back by the door. so we decided on the aluminum siding we looked the camper over very closely we found some imperfections and pointed them out to our dealer they said they would repair them. we went back a few days later and they had made the repairs and had done the repairs very well. We hope we made the right decision. thanx again for your replys.

 

[CPH]

Fleetwood

I own a 1990 Terry 5 er and have had no problems at all. I have read on some rv sites that fleetwood quality has gone down the past few years. Don't know from personal knowledge. I do know I am not getting rid of mine anytime soon even though I would like a slide out.



cph